As we celebrate the 15th anniversary of the African Women in Leadership Organization (AWLO), I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. Fifteen years ago, we embarked on a journey to empower women and promote leadership across Africa and its diaspora. Today, we stand tall, having made significant strides in our mission to foster women leadership and achieve gender equality.
AWLO was founded on the belief that women are powerful change-makers. Over the past decade and a half, we have seen this belief come to life in countless ways. From grassroots initiatives to high-level leadership roles, our members have broken barriers and created opportunities for themselves and others. Our impact is visible in the lives we’ve touched, the communities we’ve transformed, and the policies we’ve influenced.
Our commitment to women leadership and gender equality has never wavered. We have organized leadership conferences, mentorship programs, and skill-building workshops that have empowered thousands of women. Our HeForShe champions have stood by us, advocating for gender equality and supporting our initiatives. Together, we have built a network of strong, resilient, and visionary women leaders who are shaping the future of Africa and its diaspora.
I extend my heartfelt gratitude to our members, whose dedication and passion have been the driving force behind our success. To our donors and sponsors, thank you for your unwavering support and belief in our mission. Your contributions have enabled us to expand our reach and deepen our impact. To our mentors, your guidance and wisdom have been invaluable in nurturing the next generation of women leaders.
A special thank you goes to our HeForShe champions, who have stood as allies in our quest for gender equality. Your advocacy and support have been instrumental in challenging stereotypes and creating inclusive spaces for women.
I would also like to express my deepest appreciation to the speakers of the just-concluded 15 Days Leadership Hangout. Your insights, experiences, and words of wisdom have inspired us all and will continue to resonate as we move forward.
As we celebrate this milestone, we also look to the future. The next phase of AWLO will focus on deepening our impact and expanding our reach. We will continue to champion women’s leadership and advocate for gender equality. Our plans include launching new initiatives to support women entrepreneurs, increasing our mentorship programs, and enhancing our advocacy efforts to influence policy changes that benefit women across Africa and the diaspora.
We will also leverage technology to connect and empower more women, ensuring that our programs are accessible to all, regardless of geographical barriers.
In conclusion, the journey of AWLO over the past 15 years has been remarkable, but our work is far from done. Together, we will continue to strive for a world where women’s leadership is recognized, valued, and supported. Thank you for being a part of this incredible journey. Here’s to many more years of empowering women and transforming communities.
Thank you.
Amb. Dr. Elisha Attai, DFAI, CMP
Founder/Global President of AWLO.